Highest educational degree obtained, and from which institution: Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from St. Mary’s College.

Number of years you have lived in California: 50

Why should people vote for you? (A 200-word statement written by the candidate):

As a 30-year law enforcement officer, I’ve seen it all. I’ve fought the gangs and drug dealers that victimize our community, cracked down on online sexual predators, and earned the Bronze Star for Bravery.

What I saw in the street taught me that crime isn’t generated in a vacuum. It goes hand-in-hand with inadequate education and job opportunities.

I got more involved in my community, worked with young people to show them the effects of drug use and gang involvement, coached youth sports, and volunteered for organizations like the Boys and Girls Club.

In 2000, Elk Grove decided to incorporate. I was elected its founding Mayor and tackled the job of building a great city. On the Council, I have helped balance 14 straight budgets, avoided layoffs, created thousands of jobs, protected the environment, and made our city safer.

This year we were proud to be named one of the 10 best mid-sized cities in the country to raise kids!

If elected, I will focus on good-paying jobs, quality education, expanded vocational education, and job training. I will work to prevent crime, protect the public, and punish the guilty.